The Met Office has issued a stark warning about the dangers of swimming in cold water, including cold water shock, as Britain braces for temperatures of up to 34C. The alert comes after 19 people died in open-water incidents during a hot spell in May, most of them young.
Temperature Forecast and Heat Alerts
Temperatures are expected to reach 32C in the south of England on Sunday and potentially 34C or higher on Monday, the forecaster said. An amber extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office for Monday and Tuesday for most of southern England, south-eastern and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. Amber heat health alerts have also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the east, south-east and south-west of England from Monday morning until Wednesday evening, with a yellow alert for Yorkshire and Humber, north-east and north-west England.
Cold Water Shock Risks
As the heatwave grips the country, the Met Office urged people to be mindful that "sea-surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in mid-summer." Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), said: "It’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic."
She added: "If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink—everyone floats differently." People should choose a lifeguarded beach where possible and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
May Heatwave Drownings
During a hot spell in May, 19 people died in open-water incidents across areas including South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Hampshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Pembrokeshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire. The incidents involved individuals of various ages, with many being young.
Health Advice and Precautions
The alerts flag potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a potential increase in water safety incidents. People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm, the Met Office said.
Record Temperature Possibility
The UK's highest temperature on Saturday was 27.7C, recorded in Writtle, near Chelmsford in Essex. Gregory Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Some areas in the south and southeast of England are likely to see heatwave criteria met over the weekend, with the potential for temperatures to reach the low 30s in the warmest locations." He noted a 40 per cent chance of exceeding the current UK June maximum temperature record of 35.6C, set in 1957 and 1976, with a lower chance for Wales.
Weather Outlook
Alongside the warmth, spells of rain are expected, some heavy in northern and western areas. Thunderstorms are also possible across central and southern England, while the south is likely to see a mix of cloud and brighter spells. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s quite widely.
Water safety advice is available on the RNLI website and its updated app, which now includes a dedicated beach forecast providing information on tide times, wave heights and sea surface temperatures.
